August 28, 2005
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Well, we arrived in Akron Ohio, have settled in. The kids are in the pool and I am taking a few minutes for myself.
Have been reading Philip Yancey’s The Bible Jesus Read, just a bit but was struck by a statement that surprised me.
Often when I read the Bible I have mini-discussions in my head. I am asking questions, bothered by something that I see, have to puzzle out why God does some things, etc. It is not just passive reading, often the Bible and I have quite heated discussions. I felt guilty about that because I often thought you had to totally accept the Bible as is, and not doubt, question, debate, etc. Of course, the Bible is the truth and I try hard to live my life based on it, but honestly there are challenging bits for me. For example Job, etc.
Here is the quote that seems to ease a bit of my concern in this matter, hopefully it will bless you as well.
It is a quote from Thomas Merton, and the book it is quoted from is Opening the Bible.
“There is, in a word, nothing comfortable about the Bible–until we manage to get so used to it that we make it comfortable for ourselves…Have we ceased to question the book and be questioned by it? Have we ceased to fight it? Then perhaps our reading is no longer serious.
“For most people, the understanding of the Bible is, and should be, a struggle: not merely to find meanings that can be looked up in books of reference, but to come to terms personally with the stark scandel and contradiction in the Bible itself.
“Let us not be too sure we know the Bible just because we have learned not to be astonished at it, just because we have learned not to have problems with it.
Well, that sure fits me, I love the Bible, love the depth of it, love the power behind the words, the meanings of the words, but there are times when it is a struggle to read, where it is so convicting and at times puzzling. I think it is awesome the depth there is in it.
Hope you have a blessed Sunday.
Heather
Comments (9)
Hi, thanks for your prayers about my job situation. It’s tough sometimes to stay positive, but I know God will take care of me.
Good stuff there!
I’M INAGREEMENT WITH WHAT U SAID HERE….. ;o) GOD BLESS U & THANX 4 YOUR CONCERN & COMMENTS….greg <><
Good post!
I love that book!
Oh, good. Does this maybe mean I’m not the only one who wants to throw the Bible across the room after reading certain passages?
Yes, glad to be back. All is well. Hectic summer here, too, what with work, travel, tarantualas, tornedoes and bears. Thanks for stopping by. Come again when you can.
p.s. – Yes, I agree. Absolutely awesome. Watch my sight for a message outline coming soon comparing Job’s experience with Katrina’s impact. Titled ”What did I do to Deserve This?”
wondering04………………It takes questions before we get answers {from the one and only Teacher…….The Spirit of …TRUTH} so keep asking as Jesus Christ keeps saying and you will keep receiving, I was taught many things in my lifetime that was not the …TRUTH and then i found out i needed to ask the real Teacher who leads and guides us into all TRUTH. daily as i allow my mind to be renewed by The words that God speaks to me , …..makes me want more and more. God is all good and His mercy endures forever. and it is the words that He speaks that make us ……Free. ST> John 10;10 was life changing for me ,many years ago when He started showing me that He never did bad or evil things and never will…..God aint Guilty and never was nor will He ever be. i subscribed to your site and really enjoy it,……come visit my xanga site if you want………….In Christ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Simply me ……Marie….{theway1945, ………Spirit and Life]